Toms River is home base for Sip Happens. We bartend private events all over the township, from Silverton and East Dover out to Ortley Beach, and we know the roads, the venue types and how a Toms River party tends to run. This is the service page. For a longer read on costs and logistics, see our complete Toms River guide.
What we do in Toms River
- Backyard and house parties. Birthdays, graduations, anniversaries and summer cookouts across North Dover, Silverton, East Dover and Pleasant Plains.
- Weddings. Backyard and waterfront receptions, tented events and venue weddings where an outside bartender is allowed.
- Waterfront and lagoon parties. Dock and deck bars along the bay and the river.
- Corporate events and holiday parties. Office parties, client events and team celebrations along Route 37 and Hooper Avenue.
- Ortley Beach rentals. Summer-house parties on the barrier island side of the township.
- Showers and engagement parties. Daytime bars with a mimosa setup and a signature drink.
What every booking includes
- Licensed, insured bartenders
- Arrival 60 to 90 minutes early to build the bar, at no charge
- The bartender’s own professional kit
- A signature cocktail for your event, with a printed menu card
- ID checks and responsible service throughout
- Complete teardown and bagged trash
Bar rental, coolers, ice, cups, mixers and garnishes are optional. The full list is on the packages and add-ons page.
Toms River pricing
Bartending service is $6.90 per drinking guest for a four-hour bar, with a 20-guest minimum. Additional hours are $1.73 per guest, per hour.
| Drinking guests | Four-hour bar | Bartenders |
|---|---|---|
| 20 to 50 | $138 to $345 | 1 |
| 75 | $517.50 | 2 |
| 100 | $690 | 2 |
| 150 | $1,035 | 3 |
Alcohol, gratuity and add-ons are separate. See the pricing page for everything that is and is not included.
You buy the alcohol. Here is why.
New Jersey does not allow a bartending company without a liquor license to sell alcohol. For a private event, you buy it from a licensed retailer and we pour it as your agent. This is called dry hire and it is the standard arrangement statewide. It also saves you money, since you pay shelf price and keep whatever is unopened.
It rules out cash bars and drink tickets at a private party. Nothing can be sold.
- Dry-hire law, explained
- How much alcohol to buy for a Toms River backyard party
- Where to buy alcohol for your event
Local things to plan around
Permits and public property. A private, invitation-only party at your home where nothing is sold generally needs no permit. Parks, beaches and municipal facilities are different and go through the township or the agency that manages the site. Our guide to permits for private events in Toms River explains what to ask. Always confirm with the township directly.
Summer traffic. Route 37 toward the bridge is slow on summer weekends. If your event is in Ortley Beach or anywhere east of Fischer Boulevard, plan deliveries and guest arrival times around it. We do.
Venues with a liquor license. Licensed venues usually require you to use their bar. Tell us your venue early and we will sort out what is allowed.
Clubhouses and community rooms. Most want advance notice of outside vendors and many require a certificate of insurance. We can provide one.
Weather. We build under tents, on covered decks, in garages and inside. Have a rain plan for your guests and the bar follows it.
Toms River guides
- Mobile bartending in Toms River: what it costs and how it works
- Hiring a wedding bartender in Toms River
- How much alcohol to buy for a Toms River backyard party
- Do you need a permit to serve alcohol at a private event in Toms River?
- Corporate event bartending in Toms River
When to book
Saturdays from May through September go four to eight months ahead. December weekends fill early with company holiday parties, so those should be settled in October. Weekdays and off-season dates are usually open with a few weeks of notice. We need at least seven days for any booking.
Nearby areas
We cover all of Ocean County, including neighboring Brick, Bayville and Berkeley Township, Seaside Heights and Lavallette, Jackson and Lacey Township. Beachwood and Pine Beach are covered from here too.
Common questions
How much does a bartender cost in Toms River?
$6.90 per drinking guest for a four-hour bar, with a 20-guest minimum. That is $345 for 50 guests and $690 for 100.
Do you bring the bar?
We can. A six-foot bar with linen is an optional rental. If you have a kitchen island, a built-in bar or a sturdy table, we work with that.
How many bartenders for a Toms River wedding?
About one per 50 drinking guests. A 150-guest reception gets three.
Can you bartend in Ortley Beach?
Yes, at private homes and rentals. Beach and boardwalk areas are public property and follow township rules.
Check your date
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